Earthquake damage is one of the top risks San Francisco homeowners face. Most home insurance policies do not cover earthquake damage. You can protect yourself from this risk by purchasing a separate earthquake policy or endorsement.
Changing weather patterns put San Francisco homeowners at risk of wildfires. According to a recent wildfire risk assessment by the First Street Foundation, San Francisco homeowners’ wildfire risk may double in the next 30 years.
Homeowners can protect their homes from wildfire damage by installing or replacing their roofs with a Class A-rated roof with noncombustible coverings and making other modifications to their homes to reduce the risk of wind-blown embers. Additionally, you can reduce your risk by removing flammable vegetation in the area 30 feet around your home, regularly removing debris from your roof and gutters, enclosing your foundation and installing sprinkler systems.
Rainfall-induced landslides are also a risk for some San Francisco homeowners due to naturally occurring geologic phenomena. Earthquakes can also cause landslides in areas with weak soil and rock on sloping terrain. Most homeowners insurance does not cover damage from landslides. You may be able to buy a difference-in-conditions policy to protect your home from landslide damage.
Recommended Home Insurance Coverage in San Francisco
A standard HO-3 policy provides dwelling coverage to pay for damage to your home from a covered cause of loss. Other structures coverage pays for damage to unattached structures, such as sheds or fences. Personal property coverage pays for damage to personal belongings, such as your furniture and clothing.
Loss-of-use coverage pays the additional living expenses you have if you can’t live in your home due to damage from a covered cause of loss. Personal liability coverage pays for your legal defense costs, medical payments and any settlement you owe because you accidentally injured someone or damaged their property.
The HO-3 policy typically covers damage due to fire, theft, vandalism, lightning, wind, hail, explosions, falling objects and the weight of snow or ice. Coverage for floods, earthquakes and landslides is typically excluded.
We recommend San Francisco homeowners purchase an endorsement or separate policy to add the following coverages:
- Earthquake
- Flood
- Landslides
- Replacement cost coverage for personal property
- Inflation protection
- Building ordinance or law
You can obtain flood insurance from a private insurance company or the National Flood Insurance Program. The California Earthquake Authority offers earthquake insurance.
